Art of the Lakes upcoming events

2026 Business Sponsorship (31 Oct 2025)

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Art of the Lakes is preparing for a year filled with events, classes, and gallery visitors, and we invite you to join us as a business sponsor for 2026.

Benefits to All Sponsors

Increase your brand visibility and connect with new customers
Tap into 15,000 people annually who appreciate the arts
Help bring an estimated $540,000 annually to our local economy

Additional Benefits by Level

PLATINUM 2026

Logo with link on AOTL website
Recognition in our monthly newsletter (circulation 1,500+)
Recognition on Sponsor Board in the Gallery (5,000 visitors/year)
Recognition in our Studio Tour brochure (4000 prints, deadline April 15, 2026)
Recognition in our Prairie Lakes Plein Air brochure (500 prints)
Recognition in our Art & Craft Affair brochure (3500 prints)

GOLD 2026

Logo with link on AOTL website
Recognition in our monthly newsletter (circulation 1,500+)
Recognition on Sponsor Board in the Gallery (5,000 visitors/year)

SILVER 2026

Name with link on AOTL website
Recognition on Sponsor Board in the Gallery (5,000 visitors/year)

BRONZE 2026

Name with link on AOTL website
Recognition on Sponsor Board in the Gallery (5,000 visitors/year)

2026 Prairie Lakes Plein Air Artist Registration (27 Feb 2026)

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Welcome 2026 Artists!

The 2026 Prairie Lakes Plein Air event runs from June 20 to September 24. Paintings must be created in Otter Tail County, MN. For location suggestions, stop by Art of the Lakes Gallery, 108 Lake Ave S, Battle Lake, MN.

Important Dates

June 20 - September 24: Artwork Creation
June 20: Kickoff - Distribution of Participant Materials – Glendalough State Park Mary Boylan - Oil Workshop/ Paint-out
July 25: Greg Preslicka – Casein Workshop/ Paint-out, Henning Landmark Center
Aug. 9: Lisa Stauffer- Pastels Workshop/ Paint-out, Prairie Wetlands in Fergus Falls
Sept. 12 Stephen Henning Paint-out - Maplewood State Park
Sept. 17: Registration DEADLINE
Sept. 24 Artwork submission, artists social
Sept. 25 Judging, Collectors Awards Reception (ticketed)
Sept. 25 - Oct 24: Gallery exhibit/sales
Sept. 27 9 am - Post Event OPM Paint Out – Maplewood State Park
Oct. 26 -Nov: PLPA entries shown at The Kaddatz Gallery in Fergus Falls, MN
November TBA: Artwork to be picked up

Painting Flowers Bold & Loose in Watercolor (23 Jun 2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:30:00 GMT

With Grace Haverty

During this workshop, students will learn to paint exciting and expressive watercolors! Students will be painting flowers from fresh arrangements that Grace will bring in; students are encouraged to bring some as well. This workshop is sure to be fun and lively for anyone who wants to get bold and beautiful in their watercolor painting.

Haverty Supply List AOTL-1.pdf

Let's Make Sushi! (24 Jun 2026)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered about how to make sushi? What are the different varieties of sushi? It's not just raw fish! Join Chef Mike at the Shoreline Restaurant & Bar and learn all about it. You will make a roll or two and take home your favorite.

Birch Trees on Tile with Alcohol Ink (25 Jun 2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Come join Sue Kalseim and make this beautiful birch tree tile - no prior knowledge with alcohol ink required. See how fun it is to work with alcohol ink!

$35 additional for supplies payable to instructor at class, with option to purchase a frame.

Figure Clay Class (26 Jun 2026)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

with Mary Williams

In this two-part class, we will first make a clay figure from a model on Friday, June 26, 2026. Mary will then fire your figure and on Friday, July 31, we will paint & finish it. Both parts of this class will meet at Mary's studio on Stewart Lake. Ages 16+

Clay and model costs are included in the registration fee.

Mosaic Coasters Grades 4-5 (7 Jul 2026)

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Mosaic Coasters Grades 2-3 (7 Jul 2026)

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Slow Stitching Grades 4-5 (9 Jul 2026)

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Stained Glass Mosaics on Rocks (9 Jul 2026)

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Join Kathrine McDowell and learn the basics of stained glass mosaic art. Students will leave with a mosaic on a rock to add to the garden or to use inside.

$30 materials fee payable to instructor at the class

Photography Grades 4-5 (14 Jul 2026)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Needle Felting Landscapes (15 Jul 2026)

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 18:00:00 GMT

This beginner-friendly class teaches you how to create simple wool landscapes step by step. Whether you’re new to needle felting art or looking for a relaxing craft, artist MaryJo Wentz will guide you through the entire process to produce two 5"x7" landscapes.

$20 materials fee for both landscape kits payable to instructor at class.

Acrylic Painting Grades 4-5 (16 Jul 2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Acrylic Painting Grades 2-3 (16 Jul 2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:00:00 GMT

NEW! Breakfast Charcuterie! (16 Jul 2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:30:00 GMT

A twist on charcuterie, let's try "breakfast" charcuterie! Chef Mike at the Shoreline Restaurant & Bar will explore a new take on the charcuterie trend. Join us at the Shoreline and enjoy the tastes & ideas of breakfast on a charcuterie board. You will take home an arrangement of breakfast items for the next morning! Bring a charcuterie board or tray to this class at the Shoreline.

Wire Jewelry (20 Jul 2026)

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Want to learn how to make your own jewelry? Come join Sue Kalseim and learn how to bend wire to make a beautiful pendant.

$25 supplies fee payable to instructor at class.

Zentangle Grades 4-5 (23 Jul 2026)

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Zentangle Grades 2-3 (23 Jul 2026)

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Creative Eco-printing (24 Jul 2026)

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join Kristi Kuder for a relaxed and inspiring day of eco-printing in beautiful Glendalough State Park. Eco-printing is a magical process that uses the natural tannins and dyes held within a plant to create some spectacular marks and prints on papers and fabric. This workshop is designed to develop all the skills and techniques you need to produce beautiful unique eco-prints. It's suitable for beginners, as well as those with some experience, who are interested in achieving beautiful organic prints that could be used in many varied projects.

Enough fabric and paper will be provided for each participant to print a silk scarf and create a beautiful handmade book. Registrants will receive a list of supplies and materials to bring including suggested botanicals for sharing. As part of the workshop we will also consider what equipment you need to start eco-printing at home, simple mordanting techniques, where to source fabrics, supplies and equipment. Kristi will also give you a wealth of ideas to make with your beautiful unique prints. This class is an excellent complement to the Slow Stitching class led by Kim Graff.

Coffee, Tea, and biscuits provided. Please bring a packed lunch.

$20/person materials fee payable to instructor at classtime.

Plein Air Casein Painting Workshop with Greg Preslicka (25 Jul 2026)

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Greg is a lifelong artist working both in the commercial and fine art fields. For over 30 years he designed packaging and retail signage for many local and national companies. In an effort to get out from behind a computer he brought his design and problem solving skills to mural painting. Greg has painted over 100 murals throughout the midwest. He is one of the founding members, and past president of OPM (Outdoor Painters of Minnesota). Over the years, Greg has painted with many different mediums including; oil, gouache, acrylic and casein. When plein air painting he tries to find the unseen beauty in things.

Casein Painting Workshop
Learn about an opaque medium that allows you to quickly paint and adjust without your painting getting muddy.
Painting with quick drying casein allows you to work faster and get more accurate color without getting muddy. In this workshop Greg will demonstrate his paint and adjust the way of painting. When painting from life it is hard to get accurate color and drawing with every stroke you put down. With this method you paint and then adjust and refine. Greg painted for many years with oils and had a tough time keeping colors from getting too muddy because he adjusted them too much. He is not a slow methodical painter. He puts down big shapes and refine them as he goes. Casein is opaque and dries quickly allowing you to adjust without getting muddy. Casein is an old painting medium used to paint religious icons hundreds of years ago. It is similar to gouache but dries permanent. It can be painted on paper or gessoed board.

The workshop will start with inside demonstration and then move outside to paint where Greg will give individual instruction as you paint.
You will learn:
How to Paint and Adjust to get more accurate color and drawing.
What you can and can’t do with Casein.
To paint from big shapes to little detail.

What to bring:
Painting easel
Brushes ( I use inexpensive synthetic brushes)
Richardson Casein.
Basic palette includes: Cad Rad, Cad Yellow Medium, Ultramarine Blue, Phthalo Green optional, Titanium White, Carbon Black)
Gessoed panel or Strathmore Mixed media paper
Blue painters tape (when painting on paper)
Air tight sealable palette

Hiking Sticks Grades 4-5 (28 Jul 2026)

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Slow Stitch Fiber Journals (28 Jul 2026)

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:00:00 GMT

With Kim Graff

Come play with me as we explore creating small hand stitched fiber books using simple meditative stitches. They can be filled with found treasures or mementos. The books can be used as stitch samplers or turned into a needle book.

Students should bring scissors ,needle, pins , looser weave fabrics such as linen or used clothing, embroidery threads or perle cotton.
Pen and paper or journal for notes or ideas
Sticks, stones, feathers or anything they may want to attach
Kim will bring some stuff to share as well.

Hiking Sticks Grades 2-3 (28 Jul 2026)

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Skate Board Painting Grades 4-5 (30 Jul 2026)

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Figure Clay Class (31 Jul 2026)

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

with Mary Williams

Clay and model costs are included in the registration fee.

Creating Personalized Note Cards (4 Aug 2026)

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Join Grace Haverty, acclaimed watercolor artist, to make a variety of personalized notecards/greeting cards. Cards will be available for purchase or bring watercolor-quality cards of your choice. See the supply list attached.

Haverty Supply List AOTL-1.pdf

Art & Craft Affair 2026 (8 Aug 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The 48th annual Art & Craft Affair

Vendors: Apply Here!

Vendors create and sell their own original art and crafts. This one day event is promoted throughout Central Minnesota leading up to the event date. Vendors are encouraged to hang posters and share the event online (posters located at the gallery).

The Art & Craft Affair in downtown Battle Lake was launched in 1977 by the Art of the Lakes Association. Annually, this event draws nearly 5,000 visitors and is held on the 2nd Saturday of August at Railroad Park, located at MN Hwy 78 and County Rd 83 in Battle Lake.

The Art & Craft Affair offers display vendors an opportunity to market creative, handmade, original arts and crafts, and to offer fairgoers, of all ages and economic status, an opportunity to enjoy the event and discover items of interest for purchase and delicious food to eat.

Important Dates:

May 15th - Jury process begins

June 1st - Acceptance notification begins

After August 1st - Booth assignment emailed or sent (NO refunds after this date)

Exploring Glendalough with a Camera (12 Aug 2026)

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join Jackie Henning, Greg Gerhart, and other photographers from the Evansville Arts Coalition as they take you through Glendalough State Park to their favorite photo spots. Jackie will have "point & shoot" cameras for your use or bring your own camera, cell phone, and equipment. Learn techniques & tips for taking great photographs from the local experts. All skill levels are welcome! Meet at the old lodge dining hall. Students under 16 need to be accompanied by a parent.

A MN State Park Pass is required for park entry.

NOTE: Fees will be split evenly between Art of the Lakes & Evansville Arts Coalition

Plein Air Soft Pastels Painting with Lisa Stauffer (13 Aug 2026)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Lisa Stauffer received her Master’s in Design (University Of Minnesota, Minneapolis) and studied Illustration at Parson’s School of Design (NYC). She continues her education by taking workshops from nationally recognized painters whose work inspires her. She has worked and taught in a wide variety of media, now primarily painting in soft pastel with a special focus on painting en plein air to indulge her fascination with light and color in Minnesota’s beautiful north shore landscape. Lisa was just awarded Eminent Pastelist by the International Association Of Pastel Societies, she earned Master Circle status in 2009. She was awarded the H.K. Holbein Award at the Pastel Society Of America Show at the National Arts Club in New York City, September 2010 and the Pastel Painters Of Cape Cod Award in 2012. Each of these years her painting was one of those chosen by the Director of the Butler Institute Of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio, to travel to the exhibit American Pastels in the museum. Lisa was juried into the Pastel Society Of America and awarded Signature status in 2012, she was awarded Master status in 2025. Her work has been featured in articles in PleinAir Magazine, Pastel Journal, Stephen Doherty's book, The Art Of Plein Air Painting, and in two PBS specials on painting.

Artist’s Statement:
I am fascinated by the interplay of light and color that I see in the beauty surrounding me and I work to capture the mood of those special moments in my paintings. I choose to paint with soft pastel for the incredible richness and intensity of the color possibilities and textures I can create with them. I am primarily an outdoor painter and pastel’s direct application allows for the immediacy demanded in plein air work. I often use a watercolor underpainting as a setup for the pastel layers in my work, which adds the interplay of transparent and opaque mediums to the visual quality of the final piece. I can be found painting all around town and far beyond.

Supply list:

PLPA mini-workshop 26 Lisa S- Pastel Plein Air.pdf

Pies, Pies, Pies! (13 Aug 2026)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 21:00:00 GMT

What if you could cut into your pie knowing…
It will taste nostalgic—like home, like a hug from your grandma’s kitchen. A deep golden butter-and-shortening crust, tender and flaky, layered just right and filled with the flavors of summer.

In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to make a reliable, delicious pie crust from scratch, create a perfectly balanced fruit filling, and prepare a luscious summer cream pie. We’ll share practical tips and “baker’s secrets,” including blind baking and a few tips that make all the difference.

You’ll leave with one finished pie of your own creation—and an extra crust you’ve prepared yourself, ready to fill and bake at home. If time permits, we'll also cover hand pies and "pie crust cookies.

$20 materials fee payable to instructor at the class

Registrants should bring an apron & rolling pin.

Chip Wood Carving (21 Aug 2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

This will be an introductory class into the fun art of chip carving. Chip carving involves taking small chips out of a flat piece of wood to make a geometric design, and is one of the easiest forms of woodcarving for beginners to try. It can also be used to embellish things like wooden spoons.

In this class, students will learn basics such as laying out a design and keeping the knife sharp, then will work on a practice board to learn basic chip carving cuts. Students will have the opportunity to finish a small project such as a coaster or Christmas ornament to take home. No prior woodcarving experience needed, but as with other types of carving some degree of hand grip strength is necessary. Experienced carvers are welcome as well. Tools are available to use during this class.

$5 for materials payable to instructor at the class.

3D Pumpkin Needle Felting (27 Aug 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:00:00 GMT

With Jill Beithon

Join Jill as she takes you through the process of creating 3D pumpkins to use in your fall decor. Participants will create up to 3 small felted pumpkins. Beginners and participants of all skill levels are welcome!

$15 materials fee payable to instructor at class

Watercolor Plus Ink (1 Sep 2026)

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Students will bring in watercolor paintings they have done but are not happy with. Grace will show them how to perk up an almost discarded piece. We will also have an opportunity to start a new painting. Just a little ink can make all the difference!

Haverty Supply List AOTL-1.pdf

Plein Air at Maplewood with Stephen Henning (12 Sep 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 14:30:00 GMT

"A connection to nature is essential for our well-being. My contemporary Impressionist landscape paintings are designed to evoke a sense of serenity and closeness to the natural world.

"Focused on the healing and spiritual power of Nature, these images transform interior spaces. Your environment becomes more inviting and calming, whether in a home or business setting. My artwork uplifts the mood and soothes the senses.

"Enhance your space with art that resonates with nature’s tranquility.”
--Stephen Henning

Join Stephen Henning at Maplewood State Park for a day of plein air painting. Students can use any media to explore the beauty of this state park while Stephen comes around to each artist offering tips & techniques. Bring all of the supplies that you will need and a lunch.

A MN State Park pass will be required for entry.

Finger Knitting a Throw Blanket (15 Sep 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 22:30:00 GMT

September is that time of the year for cozy things! Come and join Heidi Hull as she teaches you how to "finger" knit a beautiful throw blanket to cuddle during the cool autumn evenings. This is a 2-part class. We will spend the first part of the class learning how to start the first row and continue to knit the following rows. You will take home your materials and continue to knit the blanket to size, then during the second part of the class 2 weeks later, Heidi will show you how to finish the throw.

$50 material fee per student payable to the instructor at the first part of the class

Finger Knitting a Throw Blanket (29 Sep 2026)

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 22:30:00 GMT

$50 material fee per student payable to the instructor at the first part of the class

Winter Scene on Light-Up Ornament with Alcohol Ink (5 Oct 2026)

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Impress your friends by making this light-up alcohol ink ornament. Join Sue Kalseim and make this beautiful ornament that you'll be proud to hang on your tree or give as a gift.

$35 supplies fee payable to instructor at class.

Let's Make Lefse! (6 Oct 2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Using the recipe from Battle Lake’s champion lefse maker, Ruth Ukkelberg, Sandy Thimgan will teach you to make lefse with ease. Using potato flakes (they are REAL potatoes, by the way) that lend consistency to the recipe. No worries about how much moisture is in this year’s potato crop, whether more or less flour will be needed, no more boiling pans of water, mashing, ricing…just mix it together and it is perfect every time. Let’s make lefse!

$5 materials fee payable to instructor at class.

(This class will be repeated in November if the October date does not work for you.)

Snowman Woodcarving & Paint (7 Nov 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 15:30:00 GMT

It's that time of the year for winter fun! What better way to start the season than with a woodcarving lesson of a snowman. Joe Hauger will introduce the best and safest knife stroke techniques as well as give you a chance to try different carving knives. We'll briefly touch on topics including carving "with the grain", how to keep the knife sharp, and painting techniques. Knives & gloves provided by the instructor, but feel free to bring your own carving tools. ("Flat plane" style carving knives will work best.) Students will get to take home a completed snowman about the size of a pop can.

This class is open to all adults and minors 12 & older if accompanied by an adult. (The adult wouldn't need to pay if he/she does not carve.)

$5.00 materials fee payable to instructor at class

Easy Clay Christmas Ornaments (16 Nov 2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Join Terry Shaw as she teaches you to make & personalize clay Christmas ornaments. This 2-part class is for all skill levels, beginner to advanced. On November 16, the first part, we will begin with the basics of rolling out the clay, then use cookie cutters and tools to create one-of-a-kind ornaments which Terry will fire in her kiln. In part 2 on November 23, Terry will provide a variety of glazes to finish our projects and do another firing. Items can be picked up November 30 or after. Art of the Lakes will provide tools and materials. Terry will have a few cookie cutters, but feel free to gather a few of your own!

Participants should bring an old cookie sheet, old apron, towel, and any cookie cutters that you may want to use. Please wear clothing that can get messy.

Materials fee to the instructor of $10

Let's Make Lefse! (18 Nov 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 16:30:00 GMT

$5 materials fee payable to instructor at class.

Easy Clay Christmas Ornaments (23 Nov 2026)

Mon, 23 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Materials fee to the instructor of $10

Hannukah Latkes & Traditions - make and eat! (5 Dec 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Share Jewish traditions from Hannukah, the Festival of Lights, including stories, songs and making latkes (potato pancakes), then join in a community meal.

2026 Teaching Artist Class Agreement (31 Dec 2026)

Thu, 31 Dec 2026 06:00:00 GMT

This agreement is ONLY for classes that will be taught in calendar year 2026.

If you've confirmed a 2026 class with one of our Programming Committee members, please fill out this 2026 Teaching Artist Class Agreement.

Complete one Class Agreement for each class you will teach.

The Programming Committee will review your Agreement for accuracy, and will determine attendee pricing for the class.

Thank you for sharing your talents and enthusiasm!